Hazardous
materials pose an increased hazard to our employees and to the community.
Because of the increased hazard the 2003 Indiana Fire Code requires H
Occupancies to do emergency planning and preparedness.
This
is a new requirement in the Indiana Fire Code
H Occupancies are those businesses that store or use hazardous materials in excess
of the maximum allowable quantity per control area as identified by Table
2703.1.1 of the Indiana Fire Code. Chapter 4 of the Indiana Fire Code establishes
the standard for these plans and addresses employee training and evacuation drills.
The following information is found in Chapter 4 of the 2003 Indiana Fire Code. Please
reference the entirety of this chapter for all the requirements. If you have questions
or need help developing these plans please contact your local Fire Prevention Bureau.
2003 Indiana Fire Code; 675 IAC 22-2.3
401.3 Emergency Notification
In the event an unwanted fire
occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately report such
condition to the Fire Department. Building employees and tenants shall implement
the appropriate emergency plans and procedures. No person shall, by verbal or
written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire
department.
404.3.1 Fire Evacuation Plans shall include the following:
Emergency egress or escape routes
- Procedures for employees who must remain
- Procedures for accounting for employees
- Personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
- The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies
to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
- Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or
explanation of duties under the plan.
- A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and
preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.3.2 Fire safety plans shall include the following:
- The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- The life safety strategy and procedures for notifying, relocating, or evacuating
occupants.
- Site plans indicating the following:
- The occupancy assembly point.
- The locations of fire hydrants.
- The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
- Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
- Exits.
- Primary evacuation routes.
- Secondary evacuation routes.
- Accessible egress routes.
- Areas of refuge.
- Manual fire alarm boxes.
- Portable fire extinguishers.
- Occupant-use hose stations.
- Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
- A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of
the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
- Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and
equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
- Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and
controlling fuel hazard sources
405.1 Emergency Evacuation Drills
Emergency evacuation drills complying with the provisions of this section shall be
conducted when required by the code official. Drills shall be designed in
cooperation with the local authorities.
405.4 Drills
Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the
unusual conditions that occur in case of fire.
405.5 Drill Record Keeping
Records shall be maintained of
required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:
- Identity of the person conducting the drill.
- Date and time of the drill.
- Notification method used.
- Staff members on duty and participating.
- Number of occupants evacuated.
- Special conditions simulated.
- Problems encountered.
- Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
- Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.
405.8 Accountability
As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine
if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.
406.1 Employee Training
Employees shall be trained in the fire emergency procedures described in their fire
evacuation and fire safety plans. Training shall be based on these plans
406.2 Frequency
Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and
their duties as part of new employee orientation and at least annually thereafter.
- Recordsshall be kept and made available to the code official upon request.
406.3.2 Evacuation Training
Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned
duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of
refuge, exterior assembly areas, and procedures for evacuation.
406.3.3 Fire Safety Training
Employees assigned fire-fighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and
proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual fire-fighting equipment
and the protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use.
407.2 MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials shall be readily available
on the premises.
407.3 Identification of Hazardous Materials
Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or
labeled. Buildings, rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall
be identified by hazard warning signs.
407.4 Employee Training
Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored,
dispensed, handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the
materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of a
fire, leak or spill. Responsible persons shall be designated and trained to be
liaison personnel for the Fire Department. These persons shall aid the Fire
Department in preplanning emergency responses and identification of the
locations where hazardous materials are located, and shall have access to
Material Safety Data Sheets and be knowledgeable in the site emergency response
procedures.
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